« Back To SRQ Daily Archive

SRQ DAILY Aug 17, 2017

Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

Freshly Squeezed Content Every Morning

"I'm thinking 50 years out."

- Carlos Beruff, Aqua by the Bay
 

[Development]  No Decision Yet on Aqua By The Bay
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Developer Carlos Beruff on Wednesday told Manatee County Commissioners that environmental aspects drove his proposal for Aqua By The Bay, but neighbors and residents remain wary of what the project might do both to the coastal property and roadways already prone to congestion. It remains an open question whether the project will move forward, with Manatee County Commissioners ending an all-day hearing on testimony with plans to take the matter back up on Aug. 23, by which point the developer plans to have submitted revisions to the proposal discussed at the meeting on Wednesday.

Beruff, founder of Medallion Home, spoke to the commission early in the Wednesday meeting, promising an explanation of the vision from the “horse’s mouth.” He is seeking approval of rezoning and a seven-phase development plan on the 529-acre site, located between El Conquistador Parkway and Sarasota Bay, which would allow for 78,000 square feet of retail commercial and general commercial use limited to 3,000 square feet, and construction of up to 2,384 multi-family housing units and 510 lots for single-family residences, as well as accompanying docks and recreational amenities.

The developer said his plan for the land was more than two years in the making, a process he would only start after speaking to an expert about how storm surge and sea level rise would impact the land. His plan involves raising the land to accommodate for coastal issues. “It will be like if you build a subdivision in East Bradenton,” he says. “I’m thinking 50 years out." Beruff said the site will be able to handle being hit by a hurricane when one inevitably hits the area. He also, in advance of the meeting, sought state approvals related to mitigation of impact on mangroves.

Neighbors around the large site, though, remain concerned about the traffic impact and the impact on sensitive areas like an oak hammock. Karen Willey, owner of Around The Bend Nature Tours, cited a report predicting a 17-inch rise in sea level rise in the area by 2030, which means mangroves would need to migrate further inland. Critics called the plan a compromise of a community treasure for the benefit of a developer.

“They want to take away the last of our coastline and build lagoons behind the mangroves, which will ruin the estuary for all of us and could destroy Cortez,” Ann Medlin Hall, a critic of the proposal, told SRQ. “They want to put up 14 story buildings(multiple), which is ludicrous.”

Beruff said he would stipulate that any building taller than 95 feet would have to come back to the commission for a specific approval. 

Rendering submitted for Aqua By The Bay proposal.

[Ryan Flies]  From the Cockpit Part 33: Thorp T-18
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Editor’s Note: This is part 25 of an ongoing series documenting the flights of active-duty US Navy Pilot Ryan Rankin on his journey to fly 52 planes in 52 weeks through the year 2017.

Flying with Steve Hawley again (From the Cockpit parts 18 and 20) and for the final time this year, Rankin steps behind the controls of a plane unlike any other. Hawley built this one himself.

Introduced in the 1960s, the Thorp T-18 is what is called a kit plane, meaning it can be built at home from a kit ordered through the mail. Not to be confused with IKEA, while these kits will come with proprietary parts that the average enthusiast would not be able to craft themselves, plenty of hands-on and intense labor remains, including shaping and cutting sheet metal and much more. A popular father and son project in the aviation world, says Rankin, some will spend two to three years on a single plane. “You don’t hear about it a lot, but it’s huge in the aviation industry,” says Rankin. “And you don’t need to have any specialized training to do it, as long as your work is inspected after the fact.” Common for light sport aircraft, some that Rankin has flown this past year, such as the Bushcat or the Sting, are also offered as kits.

And while the kits offer a dramatic reduction in price for prospective plane owners, there is no comparable tradeoff in quality. “These airplanes are very robust,” says Rankin. “Some are rated to six or seven gees, which is substantial for an airplane like that.” As for the T-18, the American aviator, Donald Taylor, proved its mettle when he flew it first around the world and then to the North Pole. And looking at Hawley’s, Rankin feels no apprehension. “He’s very, very good at what he does.”

His first time even hearing about a T-18, Rankin’s initial impression of Hawley’s: “Very aggressive.” Whether the low stance, the streamlined look or the fact that Hawley painted the whole thing black, something told Rankin that the T-18 would be fast flyer right off the bat, and he was right. “You think it’s going to be super-agile,” he says. “And it is.” For comparison, Rankin flew the same flight that took Hawley’s Aeronca Champ an hour. It took the T-18 about 15 minutes. And it does it all in style, with a roomy cockpit ripe for customization and comforting stability. “A lot of aircraft with these performance characteristics are not so stable,” says Rankin. “But this is rock-solid.”

For more about the flight in Rankin's own words and a video of the flight, follow the link below. 

Pictured: Ryan Rankin flies the Thorp T-18. Photo courtesy of Ryan Rankin.

Ryan Flies

[Synergy]  Visit Sarasota County Relocating to Chamber Offices

Visit Sarasota County (VSC) will be relocating Sarasota County’s official Visitor Center to the offices of the Greater Sarasota County Chamber of Commerce offices located at 1945 Fruitville Rd. The Visitor Center, currently located at 1710 Main St., will close Aug. 18 in preparation for the move into the new location. The new location will be open to welcome visitors no later than October 1, 2017. The Chamber and VCS have enjoyed a long partnership, says Chamber President Kevin Cooper, calling this next step a “logical progression” allowing new and cooperative ways to promote the community and the Chamber. During the time of the move, VSC will continue to offer visitor services at the VSC welcome center desk at The Mall at University Town Center, the V.I.V. (Visitor Information Vehicle) that travels throughout the county attending tourist friendly events and at the World Rowing Championships at Nathan Benderson Park, where VSC will collaborate with the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and many chambers of commerce to host a Visitor Center from Sep. 23 through Oct. 1. 

Visit Sarasota County

[Exec Moves]  Pita Joins First Physicians Group

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System has welcomed a new family practice physician to the health system’s First Physicians Group (FPG) network and community. Rafael Pita, MD, joined the FPG primary care practice at University Parkway, providing a full spectrum of family medicine, from pediatrics and adult care to geriatrics. Fluent in English and Spanish, Dr. Pita joins Drs. Carlos Rodriguez, Enas Sallam, Nicholas Sutera and Clarissa Zafirov. After pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Florida International University School of Nursing, Dr. Pita earned his medical degree in 2012 at St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine, Grand Cayman Island, He completed his Family Medicine Residency and served as Chief Resident at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS-West). He comes to Sarasota from Fort Smith, AR, where he spent several years caring for patients with traumatic injuries and acute conditions in an Emergency Medicine fellowship at Sparks Regional Medical Center. He is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. 

First Physicians Group



[TODAY]  THEATER: Syreeta Banks & Ariel Blue present Soul Sisters, a Celebration of Divas , August 17 – August 20

Take a journey through music made popular by some of the greatest soul singers like Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, Etta James, Natalie Cole, Billie Holliday and more. Expect a few songs by newer artists like Jennifer Hudson, Adele, and Beyoncé as well!

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[SOON]  THEATER: Random Acts: Hold My Beer , August 18 – August 19

Sarasota’s Guerrilla Theatre Troupe is back to spread mayhem, laughs and decrease property values. Not for the kiddies or faint of heart. Lots of adult language, adult situations and really bad limericks! If you are easily offended…you will be.

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[SOON]  THEATER: Classic Movies at the Opera House , August 18 – September 22

Sarasota Opera announces an expansion of their “HD at the Movie House” series entitled “Classic Moves at the Opera House.”. This inaugural series will consist of five movies ranging in years from 1935-1972 beginning Friday, August 18th and run through September 22nd. Sarasota Opera will join forces with The Circus Arts Conservatory on August 18th for the opening showing of Cecil B. DeMille’s “The Greatest Show on Earth” re-creating some of the circus magic that was seen around the theater at the original Sarasota premiere of the film on January 31, 1952. Tickets for this new series are only $10 and all showings will begin at 7:30pm.

Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Comedy night benefits Rotary Futures College Resource Center , August 19, 5:30 – 10 p.m.

TheRotary Futures College Resource Center, a community-based nonprofit resource center that provides free post-secondary planning services to Venice-area students, is hostingComedy Night, its biggest fundraiser of the year. This year, the always sold-out event will feature hilarity from stand-up comedian Tim Wilkins, who has entertained millions in legendary venues ranging from Radio City Music Hall and chow halls in Afghanistan to colleges, casinos and cruise ships. An extensive silent auction will also be open.

Plantation Golf & Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice

[SOON]  THEATER: Stephen Ditchfield presents Through the Years , August 20 – August 27

A highly accomplished bass/baritone soloist, Stephen is acclaimed for being the consummate performer, whether on stage before thousands, or in the intimate atmosphere of a cabaret. He has been entertaining and inspiring audiences for over 30 years and has recently been recognized as “one of the finest baritone voices in America today.” Join him for an afternoon of incredible variety.

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[SOON]  THEATER: Mammoth Bones , August 22 – August 27, 7:30pm and 2pm

Directed by Connie Schindewolf, this play is about Robert who is suffering from depression and anxiety. When he finds a mammoth bone in his yard, he starts to hear the sound of ancient mammoths, leaving him wondering whether he is communicating with spirits of the past or is his medication playing tricks with his mind? Single tickets are $15. 

The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 N Tamiami Trail

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: ROAR! The Music of the 1920s and Beyond , August 22 – September 24

Featuring classics from the Jazz Age songbook made famous by the likes of Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, Helen Morgan, Ruth Etting, Al Jolson, and more. Join as Carole Bufford travels back to a time where flappers, vamps and sheiks were shimmying in gin joints as a whirl of great social and political change happened all around them. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org

Florida Studio Theatre , 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Melissa Cripps presents Turning Point , August 24 – August 25

Songs from Broadway to Hollywood. Selections from Sondheim, Kander and Ebb, Cole Porter, and many others. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Breast Cancer Research.

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[SOON]  GALA: United Way Suncoasts Sarasota Area Campaign Kickoff , August 24, 11:30-1:00pm

Join the celebration as United Way Suncoast kick-off another exciting campaign year and challenge yourself to achieve even more for our community. Enjoy inspiring speakers over lunch while you network with problem-solvers and game-changers like you.  Be sure to invite friends and coworkers who care about taking action and making a difference.  When we work together, we can win the fight.  Because TOGETHER, we are the UNITED Way. Tickets are $30/person or $300/table of 10.  For more information or to register, call Shelle Austin at (941) 328-6973.

Michael’s On East, 1223 S Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Jah Movement Reggae Band at Van Wezels Friday Fest , August 25, 5pm

Jah Movement Reggae Band return to the Van Wezel’s FREE outdoor concert series Friday Fest bringing their infectious groove to the bay for the second year in a row on Friday, August 25th. Winners of Creative Loafing’s 2016 ‘Best Local Reggae Band’, Jah Movement feature a glorifying sound where individual talents of each member come together. Highlighting the talented ensemble is vocalist Shantel Norman, hometown hero, who will be celebrating her birthday with this Friday Fest party. Adding their own touch of R&B, soul and funk to some of the best live reggae music, it’s always a surprise to see which popular songs they will pull out of the box at the show. 

Van Wezel, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  GALLERY: Painting Tropical Birds of Florida , August 25 – August 27

Join us in the Jungle Gardens for quick sketching of the tropical birds of Florida from life. Using these sketches, artists will then return to the studio to create paintings of life energy and vibrant colors. 

Southern Atellier , 7226 21st St. E., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Kim Kollar presents BABS! Badass Broads of Song , August 26 – August 27

VT’s own “BAB” Kim Kollar pays tribute to some of the best female vocalists of all time. She’ll be belting her face off to songs such as “Before the Parade Passes By,” “I Miss the Mountains,” “Worst Pies In London,” and many more!

Pinkerton, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: The Sixth Annual ChalkFest , August 26

For the sixth year in a row, Englewood’s ChalkFest will transform the Dearborn Street sidewalk into an oversized canvas for chalk-art masterpieces. Professional artist demonstrations include the creation of atrompe l’oeil –or visual illusion—work of art by Johan Bjurman, a noted classically trained painter. This day of discovery will also feature fun prizes and a people’s choice award. The ChalkFest is free and sponsored by the Englewood Art Center, a division of Ringling College of Art and Design, and is presented by the Pioneer Days Committee as part of Englewood’s popular Pioneer Days festival. 

Englewood Art Center and the Pioneer Days Committee

SRQ Media Group

SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

Copyright © 2024 by SRQ Media Group, 331 South Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe

Read More

Where Oil Meets Water

Where Oil Meets Water

Phil Lederer | Mar 1, 2024

Freedom to Wander

Freedom to Wander

Laura Paquette | Mar 1, 2024

Drive and Dine

Drive and Dine

Laura Paquette | Mar 1, 2024

A Mesmerizing Journey

A Mesmerizing Journey

Barbie Heit | Mar 1, 2024